What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Endoscopic examination of stomach—An endoscope is a long tube with a camera at the end that can be put down the throat into the stomach.

Leading up to your procedure:

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.

Avoid food or fluids after midnight before surgery.

Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

If you are unable to undergo PEG, this will be done as an open procedure. In some cases, gastrostomy may be done at the same time as another stomach surgery. An incision will be made through the skin, abdominal wall, and into the stomach. A tube will then be placed through the skin and into the stomach. This tube will be stitched in place. The incision will be closed.

Immediately After Procedure

The doctor will make sure that the tube is placed correctly. You will be moved to the recovery room and monitored closely.

How Long Will It Take?

1 hour or longer

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will have pain after the surgery. Ask your doctor about medication to help with the pain.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is several days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

Depending on your condition, you may need to get nutrition through an IV for the first day or two after the tube placement or until your intestine is working normally. You will then be started on clear liquids. You will gradually move to thicker liquids.

Learn how to administer tube feedings. Also, learn how to flush out your tube. This will decrease the risk of blockages.

Learn what to do if you have a serious complication such as a dislodged tube or aspiration.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site around the tube

Problems with the tube, including if it becomes dislodged, clogged, or malfunctions; dislodging is most common during the first two weeks that the tube is in place